Microprocessor-based controller with synchronous reset

ABSTRACT

A microprocessor-based controller with synchronous reset including a processor for processing information having an input receiving an input signal and an output providing an output signal. The input signal conveys information about the process and the output signal controls at least one parameter related to the process. The controller includes a reset circuit for applying a reset signal to a reset terminal of the processor. The reset circuit receives a substantially constant supply signal and is responsive to reception of that supply signal to generate the reset signal, which reset signal has succeeding repetitive first and second signal levels. The processor is responsive to the reset circuit to assume an active state when the reset signal is at a first signal level and to assume an inactive state when the reset signal is at a second signal level, and the processor executes succeeding portions of a program employing the input signal program in synchrony with succeeding first signal levels of the reset signal to generate the output signal, thereby controlling the process.

REFERENCE TO RELATED CO-PENDING APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of applicants' co-pending patent application of the same title, U.S. Ser. No. 07/135,418, filed Dec. 21,1987, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,975.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a controller of the type suitable for activating a switch device of an electronic type such as may be used in a combustible fuel burner. More specifically, this invention relates to a microprocessor-based controller apparatus for executing a linear program in synchrony with a recurring signal coupled to the reset terminal of the microprocessor. The preferred embodiments of the invention employing the microprocessor-based controller will be described with reference to combustible fuel burner systems, however the invention is not so limited. The invention is in fact applicable in any application where a high reliability microprocessor-based control circuit is desired.

A variety of gas ignition controls are known and generally include apparatus constructed of discrete components for effecting a single, predetermined control sequence tailored to a specific application. Such gas ignition systems typically include a relay which is energized in response to a thermostatic demand for heat and for actuating a pilot gas valve, a spark generating circuit for igniting the pilot gas either coincidently with the energization of the pilot valve or within a predetermined time thereafter, a flame-sensing probe for detecting the presence of a pilot flame and an output relay section for energizing a main fuel valve upon a detection of the pilot flame. Refinements of this fundamental system may include a pair of electromagnetic relays which are required to be operated in a particular sequence upon each reception of a thermostatic demand for heat. The sequential operation of these relays is effective in verifying the integrity of certain circuit components. Examples of such gas ignition systems are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,077,762 and 4,178,149. While these gas ignition systems have heretofore been satisfactory, they have failed to appreciate the manner in which a microprocessor may be utilized therein to continually monitor and verify the integrity of certain circuit components and to provide a degree of application flexibility heretofore unknown.

In particular, these earlier devices have failed to appreciate how a microprocessor-based control apparatus may be programmably configured with any one of a variety of control strategies whereby the apparatus may be readily adapted to a variety of gas-fueled furnaces, each presenting a different control requirement.

An example of a microprocessor-based controller is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,697, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. This microprocessor-based apparatus is an attempt to control the operation of a combustion fuel burner and to make use of a synchronizing signal for monitoring the integrity of certain circuit components, which may incorporate one or more input and output stages and which is adaptable to conduct its control sequences in accordance with predetermined lapses of time rather than upon the occurrence of predetermined events. However, in a combustion fuel burner and in other applications requiring a high degree of reliability it is necessary to be able to predict and/or limit the possible failure modes of the system. While in conventional systems described above this can be accomplished, heretofore this has not been the case with microprocessor-based systems. Conventional microprocessor-based control systems, driven by software, can theoretically have an infinite number of unpredictable failure modes. Accordingly, a microprocessor-based control system offering a high degree of reliability and readily adaptable to a wide variety of control strategies would be a distinct advance in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a microprocessor-based burner control apparatus which exhibits a high degree of reliability and which may be readily adapted to a wide variety of control strategies.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a microprocessor-based controller which utilizes a recurring reset signal for monitoring system integrity and for controlling the rate at which the microprocessor program is executed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a microprocessor-based controller which executes a linear program thereby to achieve greater reliability.

The invention relates to an apparatus for reliably controlling a process and includes a microprocessor having input circuitry for receiving an electrical signal conveying information about the process and output circuitry for providing electrical output signals to control at least one parameter related to the process. Means are also provided for applying activating signals to the reset terminal of the microprocessor. The activating signals have succeeding repetitive first and second levels, such that in operation the microprocessor enters an active state when the activating signal is at a first level and an inactive state when the activating signal is at a second level. While in the active state, the microprocessor executes a linear program and provides output signals to reliably control the process. In the preferred embodiment, the process controlled is the operation of a combustible fuel furnace, which it can operate in the direct, indirect, and hot surface ignition modes. The activating signal conveniently comprises the alternating current signal used to energize the microprocessor. In an alternate preferred embodiment, a DC power source is used to energize the microprocessor. In the DC embodiment, a timer may be employed to convert the DC input into repetitive activating signals applied to the reset terminal of the microprocessor. To insure operational reliability, the microprocessor includes means for performing a plurality of data integrity checks upon entering the active state and further includes means for calculating and storing information prior to entering the inactive state. The stored information is useful to perform data integrity checks upon entering subsequent active states. During operation the microprocessor verifies various operational states of the linear program based on input electrical signals with predetermined states stored in a memory of the microprocessor and aborts execution of the program if a disparity is identified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a detailed electrical schematic of the microprocessor-based controller in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict wave form diagrams useful in conjunction with FIG. 1 to gain an understanding of the operation of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 depicts in flowchart format the sequence of operations executable during one machine cycle of the microprocessor-based controller of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic of an alternate preferred embodiment of the power supply and reset control circuitry of the microprocessor-based controller in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic of an alternate embodiment of the circuitry used to supply an AC signal to various circuit components utilizing an AC input.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Initially it will be beneficial to consider that in general, there are a number of known control strategies for operating and igniting a combustible fuel burner system. Examples of such methods, employing gas asa fuel, include direct, indirect and hot-surface ignition systems. Briefly,in the indirect method, the gas ignition sequence includes the step of igniting a pilot flame, prior to making gas available to the burner from amains supply which is then ignited by the pilot flame. In the direct method, the gas from the mains is ignited without the intermediary of a pilot flame. Finally, in the hot-surface method, an igniter element, typically constructed of carbide, is heated electrically to a temperature suitable for igniting the mains gas supply to the burner directly. The indirect method of ignition will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown in circuit schematic form an inventive controller system generally designated 10, having a microprocessor 12 connected at its RESET terminal, through a reset controlcircuit 14 to a power supply circuit 16 energized in the preferred embodiment by a source of 24 volts AC. As will be more fully described hereinafter, reset control circuit 14 causes the microprocessor to alternate between an active state and a rest state during each cycle of the 60 Hz. input frequency of the 24 volt AC supply. During the active cycle, the microprocessor 12 executes a predetermined program prior to resuming the rest state. The microprocessor is also operatively connected to a clock generator 18 and a timing select circuit 20, a flame sensor circuit 22, all of conventional design. The flame sensor circuit, connected to the microprocessor at its C1 terminal, is substantially identical in operation and configuration to that disclosed in the afore-identified U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,697, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Terminals A2, A4 and A7 of the microprocessor 12 are designated, in the preferred embodiment, as outputs and are connected to activate, respectively, thyristor devices 24, 26 and 28 of a main valve driver circuit 30, a pilot valve driver circuit 32, and the primary of a spark transformer 34, respectively. Spark transformer 34 is connected at its primary to a DC supply 36, which is powered from a voltage doubler circuit38 energized from a 24 volt AC source. The secondary of the transformer is adapted to create a spark gap 40 to the system ground and when properly energized provides the spark used to ignite the pilot flame in the indirect ignition method and the main burner flame in the direct ignition method. Each of main valve drive 30 and pilot valve driver circuit 32 include electromagnetic relays 42 and 44, respectively, which are energized when thyristor devices 24 and 26, respectively, are activated toa conductive state. Relay 42 controls a set of relay contacts designated K1used to operate a main gas valve (not shown). Relay 44, similarly controls relay contacts designated K2, used to operate a pilot valve (not shown). Each of relays 42 and 44 includes capacitors 46 and 48, respectively, connected across the relay coil and used to momentarily energize the relays when power is not available because the microprocessor is in the "rest" state, as will be more fully described hereinafter. Capacitors 50 and 52 connected in series with the gate electrodes of thyristor devices 24 and 26, respectively, act as noise/interference filters in the circuit and prevent spurious activation of the thyristors into a conductive state.

Microprocessor terminals B1, B4 and B7 are, in the preferred embodiment, configured as inputs for sensing the status of, respectively, power line 54, pilot gas valve relay K2 and main gas valve relay K1. The check of thepower line is accomplished through power line sense circuit 56, while the status of the K2 and K1 relay contacts is checked, respectively, by means of pilot valve sense circuit 58 and main valve sense circuit 60.

There are additionally provided series connected resistors 62 and 64 between a ground bus 66a and pilot gas valve output line 68 of relay contacts K2. Resistors 62 and 64 act as load resistors for the pilot valve. Similar series-connected resistors 70 and 72 between ground bus 66aand main gas valve relay output line 74, act as load resistors for the maingas valve. The function of these load resistors is to maintain the electrical valve outputs at near ground potential, unless 24 volt AC poweris applied thereto, to prevent unintentional spurious activation. An additional pair of series-connected load resistors 76 and 78 between ground bus 66a and the 24 volt AC line, designated by reference numeral 80, act as load resistors for a thermostat (not shown) to which the control system 10 responds when the thermostat contacts are closed. The resistors 76 and 78 provide a load which permits the thermostat to have rechargeable batteries (as some types do) on board without affecting ignition system operation. Capacitor 82 connected in parallel with resistors 76 and 80 provides noise filtering.

General operation of controller 10 in the indirect ignition method will be described first. A more detailed description of the inventive method for operating the microprocessor controller will be provided hereinafter.

In operation, when thermostat contacts (not shown) close indicating a need for heat, for example, power is applied to power supply circuit 16 from a source of 24 volt AC and through reset control circuit 14 to the RESET terminal of microprocessor 12. Reset control circuit 14 is an important feature of the inventive system and its function and mode of operation will be described hereinafter. As the voltage on the RESET terminal exceeds a level determined by the characteristic of the particular microprocessor, the microprocessor 12 executes a predetermined sequence ofoperation. A portion of the operating cycle involves known initialization of internal power-up routines and checks. The relevant sequence to the ignition of the main gas burner operation is as follows.

As terminal A7 assumes a high logic state, an activating signal is applied to the gate of thyristor 28 from a voltage divider comprised of series-connected resistors 84 and 86. Resistor 84 limits thyristor gate current, while resistor 86 maintains the thyristor gate at near ground potential to prevent unintentional firing of the thyristor device at high temperature. When the thyristor 28 is in the conductive state, a spark is generated across spark gap terminal 40. Terminal A7 is adapted to pulse the gate of thyristor 28 during selected cycles of microprocessor operation to enable proper charging of capacitor 88. Capacitor 88 in DC power supply 36 is normally charged and is available, as needed, to generate the spark.

Substantially simultaneously with the activation of terminal A7, terminal A4 is energized through DC blocking capacitor 52 to the gate of thyristor 26 in pilot valve driver circuit 32 with the aid of a resistive voltage divider similar in design and function to that formed by resistors 84 and 86, as described above. Contacts K2 of relay 44 close when the thyristor is in the conductive state, activating the pilot gas valve and supplying gas to a pilot burner (not shown) disposed in operational proximity to spark gap 40. Terminal A4, in accordance with the invention, is adapted topulse the gate of thyristor 26 in synchrony with the RESET terminal of microprocessor 12. Capacitor 48, connected in parallel with the coil winding of relay 44, is charged in operation and momentarily provides power to relay 44 when the thyristor 26 is in the nonconductive state, as when the microprocessor is in the "rest" cycle of operation. In the directignition mode, substantially simultaneously with the activation of terminals A4 and A7, terminal A2 is activated and through main valve drivecircuit 30 (which is similar to pilot valve drive circuit 32) relay contacts K1 act to open the main gas valve. Whether or not a pilot flame has been obtained is determined by a flame probe 90 disposed to sense the pilot flame, the pilot flame sensor circuit 22, and the C1 terminal of microprocessor 12. If after three attempts, for example, a pilot flame is not detected, the system shuts down and further efforts to initiate operation must be through operator intervention. The number of attempts may be selected as desired and the three attempts described herein are forillustrative purposes. As is the conventional practice, a purge interval isnormally provided to exhaust any unburned gas between attempts, and the initial attempt to ignite the pilot flame. The duration of the purge interval is selected through timing select circuit 20.

If a flame is detected, terminal A7 is de-energized and terminal A2 energized to activate main valve drive circuit 32, which opens the main gas valve (not shown) by activating contacts K1 of relay 42. Construction and operation of main valve drive circuit 30 is substantially identical tothat of pilot valve device circuit 32 described above. Thereafter the system operates in the "run" mode. Terminal A4 and the pilot flame remain on so that flame sensor circuit 22 continues to monitor the pilot flame. If the flame is lost, the main valve is closed by de-energizing relay 42, thereby opening K1 and K2 relay contacts. Operation thereafter is reinitiated as described above.

In the "run" mode, the operational state of the controller is monitored at terminals B1, B4 and B7 of the microprocessor, connected, respectively, topower line sense circuit 56, pilot valve sense circuit 58 and main valve sense circuit 60. The circuits 56, 58 and 60 are identical to one another in design and operational mode. By way of example, the power line sense circuit 56 consists of a pair of series-connected resistors 92, 94 connected between the B1 terminal and ground bus 66b. A filter capacitor 96 is connected between the common point of the resistors 92, 94 and bus 66b. The function of the power line sense circuit 56 is to assure that thesource of 24 volts AC has not failed. The B4 terminal monitors whether the position of relay 44 in the pilot valve driven circuit 32 is in the appropriate position (opened, closed) for the particular point in the execution of the microprocessor preprogrammed sequence of operation. If, for example, at a particular instant, 24 volts AC is not detected on line 68 of the pilot valve output line, this would be an indication that thyristor 26 is in the nonconductive state. Accordingly, it would be necessary to verify whether terminal A4 must be activated.

Terminal B7 monitors the position of the main valve driver relay 42 in a manner similar to that described for terminal B4. Thus, for example, terminal B7 is monitored to determine whether 24 volts AC is present immediately after pilot valve driver circuit 32 activates the power to thepilot valve. The detection of 24 volts AC at this point in the sequence would indicate a failure of thyristor 24 in the conductive state. This would mean that the main valve is on in the absence of a pilot flame. Accordingly, it is necessary to turn off the pilot valve and the main valve to avoid escape of unburned gas. Since the voltage to the main valveis provided from the pilot valve, by a series-connected conductive shunt 98, shutoff of the main valve can be accomplished quickly and simultaneously.

The operation of microprocessor 12 to achieve the desired reliability described hereinabove will be described next. The operation of microprocessor 12 is conducted on a novel "synchronous reset" basis utilizing a novel linear program concept. "Synchronous reset" means a reset of the microprocessor which is repetitive and synchronous to a predetermined reference signal, such as the 60 Hz line frequency. The linear program concept involves a different approach than that in conventional applications of microprocessors. The software system is designed with a minimum of branching and no branch subroutines. This permits the prediction of potential microprocessor failure modes. The system of the invention relies on the software to check the data integrityon a line-cycle by line-cycle basis.

The structure of the software design is that the microprocessor first checks itself for data integrity and then performs the necessary operations and sets up the system for the next cycle by generating the necessary data for the next check cycle and then locks itself into wait condition which can only be stopped by the occurrence of a RESET signal.

In order to accomplish this type of linear programming, the system is tabledriven. A set of pointers to the data in the tables is maintained in the checked-data area. These table pointers are used to find the timing between the steps in the states of the furnace cycle. These steps include the purges, ignition and run modes. Each of the states are further broken down into substates which allow the system to do system integrity checks.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 where the synchronous reset function is accomplished by reset control circuit 14 which is made up of a resistive voltage divider comprised of series-connected resistors 100, 102 and 104 connected between the 24 volt AC line and a ground bus 106. A first diode 108 is connected at its cathode terminal to the common point 110 between resistors 102 and 104 and at its anode to ground bus 106. A second diode 112 is connected at its anode to point 110 and the 5 volt DC output of power supply 16. A capacitor 114 connected in parallel with diode 108 provides filtering to the RESET terminal of microprocessor 12 and a resistor 116 in series therewith limits the current thereto.

In operation, diodes 108 and 112 clamp the voltage to the RESET terminal between a negative 0.6 volts and 5.6 volts, respectively, and the voltage fluctuates therebetween in synchrony with the 60 Hz line frequency, as shown in FIG. 2A. In this manner, the microprocessor 12 is reset 60 times each second to a known state as the voltage at the RESET terminal rises and falls below the reset threshold characteristic of the microprocessor 12, typically equal to one-half the power supply voltage. In this embodiment, the threshold is approximately 2.5 volts. This also means thatthe software program can only be executed during those portions of the cycle, between points A and B in FIG. 2A, when the microprocessor 12 is inthe active state. During the remaining time, the microprocessor 12 rests inthe inactive state, locked, as indicated above. The inactive state of the microprocessor 12 is indicated between points B and C in FIG. 2A. In continuous operation, point C becomes point A of the next cycle of operation.

The advantage of such an approach over the prior art is that the speed at which the software program is executed is directly related to the frequency of the reset function. In the preferred embodiment, the reset frequency is selected to be 60 Hz. This means that 60 times each second the microprocessor 12 is reset and executes a program starting at a known point prior to reverting to an inactive state until the next reset pulse. In this manner, any software errors due to the noise and the like propogate for a maximum time of 1/60th of a second and are corrected upon the reset during the next machine cycle. This is an important feature, since the 1/60th second interval is sufficiently short so that if an errorhas occurred, only small amounts of unburned gas escape before the error iscorrected or the system is shut down.

The microprocessor-based ignition system is designed such that the program runs from reset to a stop condition during one half of a cycle of the 60 Hz line voltage. The system though powered by a DC supply has its reset input coupled to the 24 VAC line. The processor cannot run when the RESET terminal is less than about half of the DC supply, i.e., below the threshold level shown in FIG. 2A. When the voltage on the RESET terminal exceeds the threshold level the microprocessor 12 starts to execute the resident program at a predetermined point which is read out from a fixed location ($lfff in the 6305 used in the preferred embodiment) in the memory map of the microprocessor 12. The program then continues to run until it stops itself with a WAIT or STOP command or the system is stoppedby the hardware reset condition when the voltage on the RESET terminal is detected to be below the threshold level.

One difficulty encountered in the implementation of the system is that the processing time is limited to approximately less than 8.3 mSec. per cycle,so that the microprocessor 12 must execute a known amount of the program during this time and that the system must be able to guarantee that the data in the microprocessor RAM is correct for the next cycle's operation upon the occurrence of the next RESET. This difficulty is due to apparent lack of difference between a traditional "power-on" RESET when the system starts up with no known state in the RAM and the synchronous reset in accordance with the invention which is necessary for the reliability of the circuit. The decision concerning the state of the machine must be based on the integrity of the data.

The manner in which the integrity of the data is checked, the linear natureof the executed program and the detailed operation of the inventive system through one active cycle of the microprocessor will be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 2B and 3. FIG. 2B depicts the stages of microprocessor 12 operation, while FIG. 3 depicts the corresponding sequence of steps in flow chart format, but with greater emphasis on the operational logic. Reference numerals 1-9 in FIGS. 2B and 3 designate thiscorrespondence. Reference letters "A" and "B" in FIGS. 2A and 2B designate the beginning and end, respectively, of the active microprocessor cycle. In FIG. 3, reference letters "XX" and "YY" designate common identical points of the flow chart for which connective lines have been omitted to preserve figure clarity.

FIGS. 2B and 3 clearly illustrate the linear sequence of the microprocessorprogram between RESET and REST. While there are jumps forward in the program logic, there are no subroutines or logic branches which double each. Thus, the only way to proceed is sequentially forward through the program to a REST state. The only way to enter the next cycle of operation(active state) is through the occurrence of a RESET. The frequency with which the RESET is cycled to occur depends on the process controlled and on how much error can be tolerated, recalling that errors do not propagatepast a RESET.

Continuing now with reference to FIGS. 2B and 3, operation of the microprocessor begins with the occurrence of a RESET. This initiates the data integrity check.

The first of the set of data checks, as indicated at 1, is to look up the flag byte of the mode (i.e. purge, trial for ignition, run, lockout) of the state machine in a table. If the two do not match then the system is assumed to be coming out of a "power-on" state. The probability of this test not detecting that the system is performing a power reset is low because the random access memory (RAM) of the microprocessor has a tendency to come up as all "0"s or all "1"s depending on the design of thechip. The likelihood of a random match occurring between a pair of mode or state flags is at best remote. This, however, is not an acceptable level of reliability in a safety circuit so an additional test is done.

The final data validity is checked using the well known Cyclical RedundancyCheck (CRC), as shown at 2 in FIGS. 2A and 3, which is normally used in serial data transmission and in the data storage systems such as disks. The data which is generated by the CRC function is stored by the program at the end of one cycle and compared to the recalculated value at the beginning of the next cycle, as shown at 9 in FIGS. 2B and 3. If this newly calculated data does not match the previously stored value, then thesystem is assumed to be coming out of a "power-on" reset and not a synchronous reset.

The other means employed of proving data integrity, shown at 3 in FIGS. 2B and 3, is to permit the flags for noncounting data, such as the flame mismatch flag, to have only noncalculable states (i.e., other than a simple increment of a single bit) so that an erroneous calculation before storage (step 9) should not be able to store a valid state. This test is based on the probability of types of errors which are possible in a processor environment. It is, of course, possible for totally random occurrences to store data which cannot be detected as invalid. To further minimize the possibility of such improbable happenstance, the timers are all non-zero based. That is to say, the system allows only windows in which the counter values may be if the validity test is to be passed.

In addition to the overall data validity the safety timers and counters arestored both in the normal and complement states. That is to say that each time a timer or counter is changed the value of one is incremented and theother is decremented. The counters are loaded with complementary values so that the system can, after each change in the count, check that the valuesare equal. If at any time they are not equal the system goes to lockout, asindicated at 4 in FIGS. 2A and 3.

When the mode or the state is changed, step 5 FIGS. 2B and 3, by either thetime counter reaching a predetermined value or the change of the state of an input (B1, B4, B7 in FIG. 1), the system performs a number of tests on the validity of the switch from one state to the other. (An example of a change of state may be the detection of a flame and the subsequent entry into the "run" mode). The system looks up the next desired state from a list. The new mode or state is then used to look up the flag byte value ofthe mode from the previous mode. If they match then the new flag byte of the mode of the state is stored and the times for the new state are loadedfrom two tables, a count up table and a count down table. These must be complements. The reason for using complements is that if a bit of the bus or ALU (arithmetic logic unit) are locked into one state then it is impossible for the system to pass the test.

On entering the next desired state, controller system 10 then checks for the presence of a pilot flame (steps 6 and 6a) at flame probe 90 (FIG. 1).

The flame sensing circuit 22 (FIG. 1) is a synchronous detection scheme which is at least partially self checking. The linear program executed by microprocessor 12 is designed to alternately discharge capacitor C7, wait a few cycles of operation (step 6) then let capacity C7 recharge. This allows the controller system 10 to detect that the flame-sensing circuit 22 is not shorted to a DC source which would render the system unable to detect a flame, as required in 6 and 6a. If this occurs system 10 goes to lockout and can only be restarted by power interruption. The cyclic counter employed in step 6 is also a nonzero based complementary pair of bytes which must at all times match. The actual detection scheme is that after the voltage on sensing capacitor C7 is discharged the voltage on thesensing capacitor C7 must remain below the input gate detection level at microprocessor input C1 for at least a predefined number of cycles of the power line. Upon waiting a predetermined number of power line cycles (step6), controller system 10 rechecks the voltage level at input C1 (step 6a). If at this time the bit is high (logic level 1), then the system 10 has detected a flame, as shown at 6a. Because of noise on the power lines and flickering while lighting a main burner, the system 10 only considers the detection of a flame or a flameout if the error is detected twice in a row.

During each machine state, controller system 10 determines if control inputB1, B4, and B7 (the pilot valve sense, main valve sense, and power lines sense control inputs, respectively) match the input values expected duringthat particular machine state (step 7). If the signals present at input terminal B1, B4, and B7 do not correspond to the expected values, controller system 10 increments a counter which forces a machine state change within microprocessor 12, thereby forcing an appropriate change in position of one or both of the main gas valve and pilot gas valve relays.

The output and the loading of the output values to terminals A2, A4 and A7 based on the machine state are separated in time, and are not directly transferable, as shown at 8 in FIGS. 2B and 3. That is to say, the stored values must be run through a function and have the bits detected and otherbits set to turn on the relays 42 and 44. The relays 42, 44 are AC coupled through capacitors 50 and 52 so that the shorting of an output even to the24 VAC lines will not actuate the relay. Because of the power required by the gates of the SCR devices 24 and 26, only one can be pulsed at a time and a dead time is present to allow the recharging of the power supply capacitor 118 which is physically close to the microprocessor 12.

At the conclusion of one cycle of operation the microprocessor 12 calculates and stores the CRC, as shown at 9, and assumes an inactive state (REST) in anticipation of the next RESET signal.

The system 10 is preferably designed as a table driven state machine. This produces a set of linear processes which last for a fixed time if the inputs are consistent with the defined required states. If an error in theinputs exists, the system 10 switches to a new linear set of states. That is, it sets up a lockout, calculates and stores CRC values and enters the inactive state. This branching of such a state machine allows the system 10 to handle any exceptional input conditions.

The following is an example of the aforedescribed method of operation applied to a three try hot surface ignition system with "relay checking". The states of the machine are as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         0      POWER ON                                                                1      PURGE                                                                   2      HEAT                                                                    3      RELAY 1 TEST                                                            4      IGNITER AND GAS                                                         5      FLAME ACQUISITION                                                       6      FLAME PROOF                                                             7      INTER TRIAL PURGE  LOOP TO HEAT                                         8      RUN                                                                     9      LOCKOUT                                                                 ______________________________________                                    

This simplified algorithm is a basic one for a three relay system. It does not include any of the portions of the algorithm used to compensate for the relay pull-in or dropout times. The power-on condition is used to set up the system 10 to the desired state. The purge is a delay which allows the furnace to clear itself of unburned gases from the previous cycle. Theheat allows the surface igniter to heat up to ignition temperatures. At theend of the heat time the redundant K1 and K2 relays are checked for operation. This is done by actuating the pilot relay 44 for one second prior to actuating main valve relay 42. Next the gas is turned on by actuating both relays K1 and K2 at the same time, while the hot surface ingiter is on. During this time the gas should light, but the flame may not be detectable, if the igniter is doubling as the flame sensor. During ignition the igniter is disconnected from the flame sensing circuit 22 because of the high voltage applied to heat it to a temperature sufficientto ignite the gas. The igniter is switched from the powered state to the sensing state to allow the flame sensor to detect a flame. Its output is ignored at this time however, to allow the flame to become stable. During the flame acquisition period the system 10 checks for the existence of theflame. If the flame is present the sequence switches to the run condition. Otherwise the system 10 continues with the inter-purge time followed by the heat time as described above. The number of trials is counted and if the limit has been reached then the system 10 goes to lockout instead of interpurge.

If during any of the states of the algorithm the system 10 detects an inputcondition which is not allowed then the system 10 aborts to lockout. The system 10 would remain in lockout until the power to the system 10 is interrupted. Power interruption would restart the system 10 at the beginning. If during the run condition the system 10 detects that the flame has gone out, then it resets a retry counter to a predetermined count and starts an intertrial purge.

In order for the system 10 to run an algorithm described hereinabove, a large set of tables (one for each state) must be generated. The system 10 requires the time for each step in both the normal and complement, the next step in the sequence, the current flag byte for the mode, the previous flag byte, whether the flame is allowed, and the input mask and data output conditions (this allows the system to have don't care conditions).

If a different algorithm (i.e., direct, indirect or other process control algorithm) is desired the set of tables for the new function would need tobe developed but the basic program itself would need little or no change. The only changes to the program would be those containing a specific reference to steps in the machine state. These would, for example, includereferences to generating a lockout purge, or adding a delay between the finding of a flame and turning the main gas on.

In the preferred embodiment, the time base for the system is the 60 Hz frequency of the 24 VAC power line 80. Because the timing is linked to thepower frequency the state variables would need to be changed to run on a 50Hz system to achieve the same speed, otherwise execution of the program would take 20% longer. The high frequency for the microprocessor 12 is independent of function as long as the system can finish the whole programto the wait (REST) state during the time that the reset line is held high.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention employs a DC power source in lieu of the 24 volt AC power source described above.

Referring now to FIG. 4, power is supplied to a controller 11 from a DC power source (not shown), for example a 12 volt DC source. The DC current is illustratively applied through a power source line 402 to a power supply 404 including voltage divider circuitry comprising respective resistors 406, 408, and 410. The values of resistors 406, 408 and 410 are selected such that approximately 5 volts DC is maintained at a reset inputnode 412.

Power supply 404 applies the 5 volt DC signal to a reset control circuit 414. Reset control circuit 414 suitably comprises respective resistors 416, 418, and an oscillator 420, for example a CMOS type 555 timer. In accordance with the foregoing alternate preferred embodiment, timer 420 establishes the time intervals for the active and inactive states of microprocessor 12.

Timer 420 illustratively comprises an output terminal 422 configured to apply a repetitive reset signal to the reset terminal of microprocessor 12. More particularly, timer 420 produces a repetitive signal consisting, for example, of a 2.5 millisecond period of high output followed by a 50 microsecond period of low output. The voltage value of the high output portion of the reset signal, for example approximately 5 volts DC, is appropriately greater than the reset threshold characteristic associated with microprocessor 12; the low output portion of the reset signal is correspondingly less than the threshold value of microprocessor 12 such that microprocessor 12 rests in an inactive state during the 50 microsecond low portion of the reset signal.

Notwithstanding the fact that the controller 11 is powered by a DC source in the alternate preferred embodiment, certain circuit components nonetheless require an AC input for optimum performance. For example, spark transformer 34 (FIG. 1) and the various electromagnetic relays 42, 44, K1, K2 are suitably energized from a 24 volt AC source. Thus, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for supplying a 24 volt AC signal to various of the circuit components in the alternate preferred embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an inverter circuit, generally designated 502, suitably comprises respective first and second MOSFET transistors 504 and 506 and a transformer 508. Respective first and second pins 510 and 512 ofmicroprocessor 12 are configured to drive transistors 504 and 506 in accordance with the control algorithm, as discussed below.

Transformer 508 suitably comprises a center tapped primary coil 514 connected to the 12 volt DC supply. When an AC signal is required, for example by flame sensor 22, spark generator 34, or main gas valve relay K1, respective output pins 510 and 512 cooperate to alternately energize transistors 504 and 506 to thereby produce a 24 volt AC signal at an output 516 of transformer 508. More particularly, inverter 502 is configured such that the positive portion of the AC cycle is generated in response to activation of pin 510, whereas the negative portion of the AC cycle is generated in response to activation of output pin 512.

In the event the duration of the high output portion of the reset signal (2.5 milliseconds) does not provide sufficient time to fully execute the control algorithm, it may be appropriate to divide the algorithm into one or more discrete operating envelopes for execution in successive reset cycles. For example, the operating program may be divided into first and second halves. During the first half, the system 10 is checked for power-on conditions, followed by the timer routines, the input routine, the set up of the output bits and the generation and storing of the CRC.

During the second half of the program, the system 10 checks for the basic mode and flag type errors, and compares the existing CRC to the CRC generated by the previous half cycle of the program. The system 10 then checks the flame sensing circuit 22 and, if appropriate, produces a pulse to the main gas valve relay K1 and spark transformer 34, as described above in conjunction with the preferred embodiment. The system then waits for a reset pulse.

Activation of pin 510 suitably occurs during the first half of the bifurcated program in accordance with the alternate preferred embodiment; activation of output pin 512 occurs during the second half of the algorithm. As a result, the main gas valve driver relay K1, which is advantageously configured to respond to the positive portion of the AC cycle, may only be actuated during the first half of the program. In the event it is desired to open the main gas valve during the second half of the program, the algorithm simply stores this request for execution duringthe next subsequent cycle wherein the first half of the program is executed.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a redundant means for turning off the main gas relay may be conveniently incorporated into the control algorithm. Specifically, theerror detection and verification techniques discussed above in accordance with the preferred embodiment apply with equal force in the alternate preferred embodiment. That is, a pulse to the thyristor 24 which controls the main gas valve relay K1 will only be generated by microprocessor 12 upon verification of the request to do so. As an additional safety measure, for example in the event the thyristor 24 associated with the main gas valve relay K1 malfunctions, the AC output of transformer 508 maybe terminated. In particular, the software terminates the output at pins 510 and 512 in response to the detection of an open gas valve condition when flame sensing circuit 22 indicates the absence of flame. Termination of the pulses at pins 510 and 512 inhibits the operation of transformer 508, thereby preventing generation of the AC signal. In the absence of an AC signal, the main gas valve remains in the closed position.

While this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments and examples, other modifications and variations will occur tothose skilled in the art in view of the above teachings. Accordingly, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. 

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for controlling a process comprising:a processing means for processing information, said processing means having an input means for receiving an input signal and an output means for providing an output signal, said input signal conveying information about said process, said output signal controlling at least one parameter related to said process; and reset means for applying a reset signal to a reset terminal of said processing means, said reset means receiving a substantially constant supply signal, said reset means being responsive to reception of said supply signal to generate said reset signal, said reset signal having succeeding repetitive first and second signal levels; said processing means being responsive to said reset signal to assume an active state when said reset signal is at said first signal level and to assume an inactive state when said reset signal is at said second signal level, said processing means executing succeeding portions of a program employing said input signal program in synchrony with succeeding first signal levels of said reset signal to generate said output signal, thereby controlling said process.
 2. An apparatus for controlling a process as recited in claim 1 wherein said processing means comprises a microprocessor.
 3. An apparatus for controlling a process as recited in claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises alternating current supply means for generating an alternating signal, said alternating current supply means being responsive to said processing means to convert said supply signal to said alternating signal. 